Volvo Cars Of North America Unveils Their First Telematics System For 2003 Models
Cross Country Automotive Services Selected To Be The Exclusive Provider Of Telematics Services For Volvo
BOSTON, MA - October 4, 2002 - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (Volvo) and Cross Country Automotive Services (Cross Country) today announced the availability of Volvo On Call Plus (VOCP), Volvo's first comprehensive telematics system in the US. Volvo On Call Plus, available in selected 2003 models, was built in collaboration with Cross Country and features Automatic Crash Notification, Mayday Services, Alarm Notification, Stolen Vehicle Tracking, Location-Enabled Roadside Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, and Remote Vehicle Diagnostics.
Reinforcing Volvo's commitment to safety and personal security, their telematics system utilizes advanced multiplex information management, backup battery and antenna sources to help ensure systems operation in the event of an accident. In addition to recognizing the deployment of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, the system is also capable of detecting severe rear end collisions and can connect automatically to the call center if any of the systems have been activated. The back-up battery and antenna, located in the dashboard is as far away from the crash location as possible, further distinguishing Volvo On Call Plus from other solutions available on the market today.
Built by Cross Country, the technology infrastructure is capable of handling voice and data communications. Cross Country played a critical role in developing, the response center's interface, vehicle data decoding/processing protocols, and platform for routing incoming/outgoing data. Cross Country's response center is responsible for managing the critical voice and data communications to and from the vehicle after an accident.
"We are exited to launch Volvo's first telematics system for the US market, and to announce our partnership with Cross Country," said Klas-Eino Klaesson, Manager, Aftersales Projects, within Volvo. "Volvo's safety approach, combined with our telematics technology and back-up systems, make this solution unique in the industry."
In addition to developing the technical infrastructure, Cross Country and Volvo created an activation and provisioning website that ensures that Volvo's On Call Plus is easily and quickly operational. As the vehicle rolls off the assembly line, the factory sends an electronic file directly to Cross Country providing vehicle information that is stored in a pre-activated database.
As a buyer purchases a Volvo automobile equipped with the Volvo On Call Plus system, the retailer enters the activation website and enrolls the new owner in the service. Volvo On Call Plus is free for the first year of service. Once this initial activation process is complete, Volvo's On Call Plus is ready for use. The Volvo On Call Plus specialist is available to take the first call, review available service features, as well as collect additional personal information that maybe helpful should an accident occur.
Seamlessly integrated into the instrument panel and the center armrest of the luxurious S80 sedan, sporty S60 sedan or versatile V70 wagon, the system incorporates a dash mounted easy-touch keypad and handset for mobile phone. Hands-free operation is accomplished via a microphone located above the interior rear-view mirror and a dedicated speaker located in the driver's seat headrest. Steering wheel mounted controls and a crystal clear display menu in the instrument cluster (where will display estimated time of arrival for roadside services) provide easy operation.
Volvo On Call Plus is standard on the 2003 S80 T6, available as a factory option on the 2003 S80 2.9 and the entire line of 2003 S60 V70 and V70 Cross Country models for $835. Included in the price is a 12-month subscription. Thereafter, a $19.95 monthly service fee applies.
"We are thrilled to partner with Volvo to create this innovative safety solution," said Peter Van Alstine, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing. "This offering underscores Cross Country's vested interest in representing and providing unsurpassed safety and security solutions to clients and customers."
About Cross Country Automotive Services
Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Cross Country Automotive Services (www.CrossCountry-Auto.com) is the leading provider of integrated vehicle and driver programs in North America, including emergency roadside assistance, telematics services, consumer affairs, and direct marketing services. Over 1,500 Cross Country employees serve more than 100 corporate clients and their more than 40 million customers each year. Cross Country Automotive Services is a member of The Cross Country Group, the largest privately held provider of customer service programs in the United States.
About Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
Contact:
Dan Johnston, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. - (201) 784-4504
Kendra Boccelli, Cross Country Automotive Services - (617) 645-3205
